National Cancer Survivors Day® Was Held Sunday, June 5, 2011

America's 12 million cancer survivors joined survivors around the world in observing the 24th annual National Cancer Survivors Day® on Sunday, June 5, 2011. Hundreds of communities worldwide hosted events on this day to celebrate life and demonstrate that life after a cancer diagnosis can be meaningful and productive. In cooperation
with the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, Coping is pleased to provide you with the official coverage of NCSD 2011.

National Cancer Survivors Day is a treasured annual celebration of life. Joy and hope, camaraderie and faith, and triumph over adversity were on full display. It was a day for everyone  cancer survivors, family members, friends, and medical professionals. This day provided an opportunity for cancer survivors to connect with other survivors, and recognize the healthcare providers, families, and friends who have supported them along the way. NCSD activities were as diversified as the towns and cities where the events were held and included parades, carnivals, races, art exhibits, ball games, contest, dances, inspirational programs and more.

NCSD started in the United States and is now worldwide, says Chadwell, and it is observed in countries as far away as Australia, Greece, India, Italy, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.

The non-profit National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation supports hundreds of hospitals, support groups, and other cancer-related organizations that host National Cancer Survivors Day events in their communities, by providing free guidance, education and networking. Its primary mission is to educate the public on the issues of cancer survivorship in order to better the quality of life for cancer survivors.

“A ‘survivor’ is anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life,” as defined by the Foundation. Cancer survivors may face many challenges such as hindered access to cancer specialists and promising new treatments, inadequate or no insurance, financial hardships, employment problems, and psychological struggles. “Despite these difficulties, cancer survivors can live active, productive lives,” says Foundation spokesperson, Paula Chadwell.

The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, along with NCSD 2011 national sponsors Bristol-Myers Squibb, Coping® With Cancer magazine, and Lilly Oncology, is encouraging a greater commitment to resolving the issues of cancer survivorship. “More resources, research, and survivor-friendly legislation is needed to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors,” says Chadwell. “The accomplishments of modern science are evident in the ever growing cancer survivor population. Addressing the poorly understood needs of these survivors is becoming a formidable challenge.”

To find out more about National Cancer Survivors Day, visit www.ncsd.org.